Defendant tied to Gross gets probation for role in fake contract bids

The last of the defendants associated with Niagara Falls contractor John J. Gross Jr. was sentenced to probation today.

Walter Heinrich Weiss had previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to a misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to make a false statement. Weiss admitted using letterhead from Gross’ competitors to submit fake contract bids to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Defense lawyer Joseph M. LaTona said his client no longer works for Gross and regrets his decision to break the law. Gross, a well-known Niagara Falls contractor, was sentenced two years ago to 33 months in prison for mail fraud and tax evasion.